12 unusual romantic weekends in the Rhône-Alpes region

Activities

Yvoire,,France, ,Apr,15,,2022:,A,Landscape,Around,Yvoire

Romane

Published on 15/09/2025

The Rhône-Alpes region, with its breathtaking Alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes and towns of authentic charm, is one of France’s most romantic destinations. From gastronomic Lyon to Annecy, the Venice of the Alps, or the majestic peaks of Chamonix, this region offers the perfect setting for memorable romantic weekends away. For couples in search of an original getaway, here are 12 ideas for unusual breaks that will turn your romantic escapades into unforgettable memories.

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1. A magical night in the transparent bubbles near Annecy

Imagine lying in a cosy bed, gazing up at the stars, in a heated transparent bubble in the heart of the Savoyard Alps. Les Bulles de Saint-Julien (Route de la Roche, 74350 Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 240 reviews) offers you this unique experience just 30 minutes from Annecy. These unusual 20m² accommodations feature top-of-the-range bedding and optimum heating for perfect comfort, even in winter.

Download the audio tour to discover Annecy on foot and on your own

Take advantage of your stay to explore the Venice of the Alps on our 2.6 km audio tour. Discover the romantic canals, the Palais de l’Île and the famous Pont des Amours on your own, guided by 20 captivating audio commentaries. Let yourself be carried away by the Navaway itinerary to visit Annecy and its hidden treasures in complete freedom.

2. Perched cabins with private spa in the Bauges region

Iles,De,Chéran,In,The,French,Alps,In,The,Bauges

Domaine de la Dombes (1285 Route du Stade, 01140 Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 180 reviews) offers tree houses with private Nordic spas. Perched at a height of 4 metres, this accommodation offers a panoramic view of the Bauges massif while guaranteeing privacy and romance. The whirlpool bath under the stars will turn your weekend into a magical interlude.

3. Love room with jacuzzi facing Mont Blanc

La Parenthèse 01 (Hameau de Montluel, 01800 Meximieux, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 95 reviews) welcomes you to romantic suites with private Jacuzzis overlooking the Mont Blanc range. These 35m² love rooms combine contemporary design with wellness facilities: infrared sauna, sensory shower and king-size bed facing a panoramic bay window.

Your getaway takes you to the gates of Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering. Discover this legendary town on our audio tour of Chamonix, which will take you from Place Balmat to the most beautiful viewpoints of the Aiguilles and the Mont-Blanc massif.

4. Mongolian yurt in the Chamonix valley

Les Yourtes de Bellevue (680 Route des Pècles, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 67 reviews) transports you to Mongolia without leaving the French Alps. These authentic 25m² traditional dwellings are equipped with a central wood-burning stove, colourful carpets and typical furnishings. The experience is rounded off with a breakfast of Central Asian flavours served in your yurt.

5. An unusual night in a glass igloo in Méribel

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The Alti-Dôme Méribel (Méribel resort, Route de l’Altiport, 73550 Méribel, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 125 reviews) offers heated transparent igloos at an altitude of 1850m. These 20m² geodesic domes offer a 360° view of the snow-covered peaks of the Three Valleys. Equipped with a cosy bed and underfloor heating, they guarantee comfort and a complete change of scenery.

6. Floating hut on Lake Aiguebelette

Les Cabanes du Lac (Base nautique d’Aiguebelette, 73610 Saint-Alban-de-Montbel, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 89 reviews) offers you the unique experience of sleeping on the water in a floating cabin. This 18m² structure is moored to a private pontoon and has a panoramic terrace overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Aiguebelette. You’ll wake up to the sound of the lapping water and a view of the Savoyard Alps.

7. Gypsy caravan in the Pilat near Lyon

At Grand Air Vonnas (Domaine de Champagne, 69620 Vonnas, rated 4.1/5 on Google for 156 reviews), an authentic gypsy caravan awaits you in a green setting 45 minutes from Lyon. This colourful 15m² nomadic dwelling has a comfortable bed, a cosy lounge area and a wooden terrace with a view of the Pilat regional nature park.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own

Complete your getaway by discovering the treasures of the capital of Gaul. Our 7.9 km tour takes you through UNESCO-listed Vieux-Lyon, the shopping Presqu’île and the Basilique de Fourvière. With 26 audio commentaries, discover Lyon’s secret traboules and gastronomic heritage by following the Navaway de Lyon itinerary.

8. Troglodyte suite in the Ardèche gorges

Aerial,View,Of,The,Grotto,Of,Maria,Magdalena,In,France,

Les Caves de la Madeleine (Route des Gorges, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 203 reviews) offers you the unique experience of sleeping in a converted cave. These naturally air-conditioned 25m² troglodyte suites feature designer furniture, soft lighting and a private terrace overlooking the Ardèche gorges. The natural acoustics of the limestone create an exceptional, hushed atmosphere.

9. Alpine chalet with Nordic bath at Méribel

Le Refuge des Marmottes (Hameau de la Renarde, 73550 Méribel, rated 4.8/5 on Google out of 47 reviews) welcomes you to an authentic chalet-refuge at an altitude of 1650m. This 40m² Savoyard house made of old wood and local stone has a private Nordic bath facing the Alps. The central wood-burning stove, animal skins and deliberate absence of Wi-Fi create an atmosphere of total disconnection.

10. Stilt hut on Lac du Bourget

Le Domaine du Lac (Plage d’Aix-les-Bains, 73100 Aix-les-Bains, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 178 reviews) offers cabins on stilts on the banks of France’s largest natural lake. These 22m² accommodations on 3-metre stilts offer direct access to the lake via a private ladder. The suspended terrace with deckchairs lets you enjoy the sunsets over the Jura mountains.

11. Indian tepee with spa in the Vercors

Vercors,Landscape,Seen,From,The,Combeau,Valley,,France

Bulles d’Olive (Route de Gap, 26110 Nyons, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 134 reviews) offers you the authenticity of a 6-metre-diameter Amerindian tipi in the heart of the Vercors Drôme countryside. This traditional accommodation features comfortable sleeping on rugs and furs, a relaxation area with cushions and a private outdoor spa with essential lavender oils.

This experience puts you at the gateway to Grenoble, capital of the Alps. Extend your stay by discovering this dynamic city on our audio tour of Grenoble, which will take you from the historic centre to the Fort de la Bastille via the famous cable car “eggs”.

12. Starry dome with private planetarium in Ain

La Bulle de l’Ain (Route de Neuville, 01160 Neuville-sur-Ain, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 52 reviews) tops this selection with its transparent dome equipped with a personal planetarium. This 25m² high-tech bubble has a built-in astronomical projection system, a telescope and a rotating bed for observing the constellations. The experience includes an introduction to astronomy with a passionate guide.

Practical tips for your unusual weekend in the Rhône-Alpes region

To make the most of your romantic break, book during the week for the best rates and maximum peace and quiet. The ideal period is from May to September for accommodation at altitude, while establishments with spas are open all year round. Don’t forget to book complementary activities such as wine-tasting in the Beaujolais or hot-air ballooning over the Alps.

Don’t forget to pack clothes that are adapted to variations in temperature, particularly in the mountains where nights can be chilly even in summer. Most self-catering accommodations provide bed linen and towels, but check the conditions when you make your reservation.

In conclusion, the Rhône-Alpes region is an exceptional playground for couples in search of authenticity and a change of scenery. These 12 unusual accommodations each offer a unique experience, combining modern comfort with immersion in unspoilt natural surroundings. Whether you choose the magic of a night under the stars in a transparent bubble or the intimacy of a private spa facing Mont Blanc, each stay promises to create lasting memories. The variety of landscapes in the Rhône-Alpes region, from Savoyard lakes to Alpine peaks to the gorges of the Ardèche, guarantees a constant renewal of pleasures and discoveries. To make your getaway even richer, don’t hesitate to explore the region’s emblematic towns on the Navaway audio tours, which will reveal all the secrets of the local heritage.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best time of year for an unusual weekend in the Rhône-Alpes region?

The ideal period is from May to September, when you can make the most of our high-altitude accommodation and outdoor activities. Summer offers mild temperatures and long days, perfect for transparent bubbles and perched cabins. Winter remains magical for establishments with spas and heating, particularly for the unique experience of glass igloos under the snow.

Is it necessary to book well in advance for these unusual accommodations?

We strongly recommend that you book 2 or 3 months in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays. These atypical accommodations are often unique on their site and very much in demand. The establishments sometimes offer last-minute deals during the week, but availability is limited.

Are these unusual accommodations suitable for all seasons?

Most of these accommodations are designed for four-season comfort. The transparent bubbles and domes have efficient heating systems, while the cabins are equipped with wood-burning stoves. Only some of the floating cabins close in winter, depending on local weather conditions.